An international dialling prefix is a telephone dialing code used to dial out of a country when making an international call. They are also called international access code, International Direct Dialling (IDD) code, exit code, etc.

These codes are different from the unique country calling code every country has which is used to dial in to that country.

When making a call between countries, the caller must first dial the international call prefix, then the destination country calling code, then (usually) an area code, then the local phone number.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recommends 00 as the general standard for an international call prefix, and this has been implemented by a large number of countries, but not all of them International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T), E.164 - 12 (Page 22). This page only lists the exceptions, but rapid developments may make this list out of date. See External links for externally maintained lists which may be more up-to-date.

Many phones allow this "+" to be entered in their saved number lists, often by holding down the '0' key (most GSM mobile phones) or with two consecutive presses of the * key. When making a call the system then automatically converts the "+" to the correct international prefix, depending on where the phone is being used, which enables callers to use the same stored number from any country.

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Example

If a caller in the USA or Canada wants to call the Mayor of Dunedin in New Zealand, they would dial 011 64 3 477 4000. (The generic international call prefix for North American Numbering Plan (NANPA) countries is 011, then the country code for New Zealand is 64, the area code for Dunedin is 3, and the local number for the Dunedin City Council is 477 4000).

If a caller in Japan wants to call the same number, they would instead dial 010 64 3 477 4000.

If a caller in Australia wants to call the same number, they would instead dial 0011 64 3 477 4000.

If a caller in the UK, China or any other country using the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recommended 00 prefix, to call the same number they would instead dial 00 64 3 477 4000.

Variations

Some Telecommunications service providers or Mobile network operators (wireless carriers) have different international call prefix codes which callers or subscribers can use to route calls through specific networks, sometimes with special pricing arrangements.

Many countries also provide alternative dialling arrangements for calls to neighbouring countries. [[1]]

Some of these variations from the generic codes are shown in the list below (but may be out of date).

Countries by International Prefix

00, all countries not listed below and including but not restricted to:

Israel, where to encourage competition between international telephone carriers, a system of prefixes beginning with 01x was introduced, in addition to the 00 prefix. For example, if the subscriber dials 018-1-202-555-1212, the call will be routed to North America via Xfone.

Finland, where to encourage competition between international telephone carriers, a system of prefixes beginning with 99 was introduced in addition to the 00 prefix. For example, if the subscriber dials 990-1-202-555-1212, the call will be routed to North America via TeliaSonera.